Mortal Rose

By Alice Silver

If you knew your world was in danger, how would you choose to live and die?

New kid in town, Zander Roberts dreads the moment his mother signs the permission slip for him to attend Camp Shenandoah, a weekend getaway for students at Lincoln High.

It's not bad enough his accent makes him stand out, but letting anyone know the reason he's moved from South Carolina to Wisconsin could be fatal to his social life. Not that he seems to have much of one.

Not knowing anyone at camp sucks, but that all changes when he meets Rose West, who happens to take his breath away. Rose is a mystery to him with her own secrets, a love of writing, and a darkness that surrounds her. He can't quite pin-point what it is about her that draws him to her, but he can't keep away.

Can he save her from herself?

Fans of The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, and Before I Fall will enjoy the novella Mortal Rose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Slow Burn Publishing
• Release date: May 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201017200

Book preview

Chapter One

I hated school. I blamed my parents for it. Mostly because we moved a lot and I lacked real friends. You know the ones you stay up late with, playing video games.

We just moved from South Carolina to Wisconsin. I'd never seen snow. Not unless you counted watching it on television. I'd never experienced snow or cold like I was told I would when I moved up north.

Xan you'll love it! My mother insisted.

I figured it was because she was trying to make me excited for the move.

I didn't care though. It was May right now, I had months until my toes froze off. I'd buy a parka and winter hat. I'd bury myself between blankets and avoid school if I had to. I could fake the flu like no other kid.

It was my destiny.

My first day at Lincoln High had been awful. I missed first period because quite frankly I didn't care enough about school on the first day.

My first day was one month until everyone else's last day. I doubted the teachers even cared that much that I spent the first class exploring the campus. It wasn't hard considering if I ran into a teacher I could claim I was the new kid.

In fact, that's what happened after fourth period. My math teacher found me wandering the halls. I asked her which way to the bathroom and she scolded me for skipping class but pointed toward the obvious sign not two feet away.

How was I supposed to know she was my teacher? I guess the teachers knew everyone and I stood out like a sore thumb. I gave her the excuse I'd planned all morning but it came out more jumbled and nervous.

I'm new here, I got lost. It was lame and pathetic.

She sized me up, scrutinized me, and then told me she'd send me to the office if I didn't go straight to class. What was the point of telling me where the bathroom was if she wasn't going to let me use it? Good thing I didn't have to go. I guess she wasn't as dumb as I thought.

The week had been long, tiring, and rather boring. The guidance counselor insisted I meet with other kids that were new to the area. Of course, their new was from Chicago to Wisconsin.

Sorry guys but it's not that far of a drive. You can go visit your friends on weekends and holidays.

I win.

I tried to be polite, act like I cared at all, which I didn't. Eventually, the guidance counselor told me I didn't have to attend the meetings anymore, so I didn't. I still skipped sixth period though. I doubted anyone would notice.

Two weeks before summer break and only two weeks of school left, my parents signed the permission slip that I attend Lincoln High's Summer Bash.

I had no idea what that entailed other than a campout with school kids. Just what I needed. I hated school already.

I'd managed to lose my science book after the first week and was certain my locker had been broken into by one of the kids. Why would I want to spend any more time at school—or off campus—with these people?

I dreaded it but my mom insisted it would be good for me. With the utmost apprehension, I packed my duffel bag and waited for the bus to pick me up. It was Friday, and was going to be the most miserable weekend of my life.

I’d sooner get hit by the bus. Maybe that’s what I’d do. Step in front and let it end my suffering existence.

Chapter Two

Late Friday night we arrived at Camp Shenandoah. I found my cabin along with my bunkmates. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad? It would at least give me the opportunity to meet some kids my age. Of course, everyone already knew one another. The only good thing was we already had room assignments. No awkwardness for me trying to partner up with the loser.

So, you're the new kid. He glanced me over. Funny considering, he stood out with his dusty red hair, freckles and glasses. I would remember him. Name's Eldon. He shook my hand.

I'm Xan. I introduced myself and quickly realized for as short as he was, he had a nasty handshake. I felt like he was going to cripple me. Do you know who our other roommates are? A set of empty bunks sat across from us.

Eldon shrugged. I hear Alex and Rylie are rooming with us. I haven't seen them yet. He dropped his bag on the top bunk. Hope you don't mind.

I didn't care either way. If I had a bed to sleep in, then I’d survive.

No, it's fine. Have you ever been on these trips before? I saw the brochure at Lincoln High had said they were students fourteen to sixteen years old. Apparently, it was my last and only year to attend Camp Shenandoah. I was grateful I hadn't moved to Kenosha